Csepely-Knorr Luca: Barren Places to Public Spaces. A History of Publick Park Design in Budapest 1867-1914 (Budapest, 2016)
Public Park design in Budapest during the second half of the 19th Century
The main thoroughfares and their green areas “From the centre of Octagon Square a marvellous view will he provided in every direction, (...) a perspective which will be outstanding in the whole of Europe. Towards North, South, East and West the perspective will fade into the distance along the rows of palaces, so much so that Octagon Square will be a true Mecca for tourists visiting the capital."256 The building of the Nagykörút (Grand Boulevard) and Sugárút (todays Andrássy Avenue) were the most decisive projects in urban development in the period discussed. However, their importance from the point of view of the urban green structure was very diverse. Sugárút was the most spectacular scheme for 19th century Budapest.25' The construction, which was decided in 1870, was mostly financed by small private companies: the expropriations were started in 1871 by the ‘Sugárúti Építő Vállalat’ (Sugárút Construction Company). As a consequence of the Stock Market crash in 1873, the Board of Public Works took over the direction of the construction in 1876. The crucial role that Sugárút plays, in both the structure of the city and in the cityscape, is indisputable. However, due to its part in linking the densely built-up areas with the main public park of the city, Városliget, and because of its lines of trees, its importance in the green infrastructure of the city is also crucial. Sugárút is divided into three sections, interspersed by squares; the changing structure that gradually leads to Városliget Park sees the amount of green space increase as one progresses towards the park. The first section, closest to the city centre, terminates at the octagonal square of Oktogon; this part of the road is framed by a single row of trees on both sides, with a continuous building line. The second part, leading from Oktogon (Octagonal Square) to the former Kör tér (Circular Square, now Kodály Körönd), is built with a continuous building line, but with two rows of trees on both sides. The third stage, from Kodály Körönd to Városliget Park, is built with detached and semi-detached villas, the front gardens increasing the green spaces, as well as the two rows of trees on both sides of the road.258 The first plans for the green spaces of the Kodály Körönd were created by Armin Pecz Sr. in 1880, under the Head Gardener, Emil Fuchs.259 The square had been proposed as a possible location to erect statues several times in its history. Firstly in 1890, for the statue of the prime minister Gyula Andrássy.260 In 1902 the statues of two 17th century historical figures, Miklós Zrínyi261 and Gábor Bethlen262 were erected there. Both statues belonged to those ten monuments, which were given to the capital by the Monarch, Franz Joseph in 1898, to celebrate the glorious history of Hungary.263 Keresztély Ilsemann’s redevelopment plans are also known for the area, which were designed in 1909, according to the reports of contemporary papers. The reason for the redesign was the creation of the new hard landscaping, using asphalt, which in turn meant the shrinking of the green spaces as well.264 The design shows four symmetrically arranged ornamental green areas. It recommended the creation of a shrubbery in front of the statues, instead of the earlier grassed area. In 1913 the former station of the underground was demolished and a new one was created with steps going under the ground.265 Metropolitan Board of Works, Preliminary plan of Andrássy Avenue, 1870 / MESZL Budapest Collection Andrássy Avenue: view from Oktogon Square towards Városliget Park; villas flanking the avenue, photographs by György Klösz, early 1880s / HU BPL XV.19.d.l. 6/20-21 81
